Hartlepool V Coventry at Victoria Park : Match Preview

16 November 2012 11:31
Hartlepool V Coventry - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Howard misses Hughes' first game

Hartlepool manager John Hughes will be without suspended striker Steve Howard for his first game in charge of the club against Coventry.

Howard received his fifth yellow card of the season in last week's defeat at Yeovil and sits out an automatic one-game ban, so teenager Charlie Wyke, on loan from Middlesbrough, could make his first league start for the club.

Another loanee forward, Sunderland's Ryan Noble, is also back in contention after missing out against Yeovil due to a knock.

Winger Andy Monkhouse has returned to training after an ankle injury that has forced him to miss the last nine matches, but will not be ready to give former Livingston boss Hughes an early boost.

Hughes has no other new injury or suspension worries, but teenage striker Luke James remains sidelined following a double hernia operation as Pools look to secure only their second league win of the season and their first since September 1.

Coventry are not expected to have any new injury or suspension concerns for the trip.

The Sky Blues fell to a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Scunthorpe last weekend, a result which could well spark changes from manager Mark Robins. Striker Stephen Elliott (toe) and midfielders Conor Thomas (ankle) and David Bell (hip), who is back in light training, continue to miss out.










Source: PA